ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

The songs of Tell Them Today were written while I lived with my family at Heathcote Community in Maryland from 1998 to 2006. They create a window into relationships and experiences that we have in common as humans living the modern life.

"Your Everything is Showing" was first performed in a "Toys R Us" at their keyboard display for my grandmother while we shopped for toys for my kids. This song is dedicated to her and to anyone in your life who is transparent to you.

"Tell Them Today" was written on the front porch of a centuries-old cabin i was rehabbing next to Heathcote in Maryland. I was overcome with emotion as the verses came to me during my lunch break from the construction work. Two weeks later the Twin Towers were hit in New York. Many musicians wrote memorial songs after the tragedy. Sometimes I think that this song is related to that event, even though I wrote the song before it happened.

"The Do-it-Yourself Store" was written during a trip to Lowes for materials. It chronicles the futility of trying to shoulder the burden of saving a relationship by oneself. This is a job best done by two.

"Hang in There" was written when my sister was undergoing treatment for Hodgkins lymphoma. This song is dedicated to her and her return to full vibrant life. We all need encouragement, especially when times get hard.

"The Music Is Still Playing" was written for the fortieth anniversary of my grandparents who showed me the endurance of a steady love, even while most of the other marriages in my family tree were ending in divorce. "Never go to bed angry" was one of their mottos. Simple but effective.

Most of the other tracks on the record are inspired by my life with my wife Jette who keeps me loving and longing and surrendering to the connection that we have shared now for over 30 years. This CD is dedicated to her.

This recording could not have come about without the help and inspiration of other musicians, friends, and family. Thanks to Tom and Charles who performed some of songs with me, and gave me ideas to make them better. Thanks to Bill for the percussion; sorry about the misspelling. Special thanks to James for the artwork and to Benjamin and Jonathan for their encouragement.